The impact a farm accident has on a family is immeasurable. It takes a serious toll on the survivor, the family financially, physically, and emotionally. These are all life dimensions that can have a big impact on the individual’s mental health and indeed the family. The provision of supports to farmer and their families in such circumstances is important to ensure farm sustainability financially and in terms of the farm output.
Embrace FARM is committed to supporting the well-being of those affected by farm accidents in Ireland. Their valuable support and work with the community reveals that mental wellbeing is an important part of a person’s journey towards recovery and for those who have been bereaved by the tragic loss of their loved one or are left coping with the enduring impact of a life changing farm injury.
Improving an understanding mental health in rural settings has to be constantly address. In a survey carried out by EmbraceFArm at their 2019 Conference in excess of 100 participants, 83% believed that there is a greater level of stigma associated with mental health than in urban towns and cities.. This is a red flag for FARMRes to address this particular awareness topic. and to reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
The development of Farmer’s resilience is crucial, as it is underpinned by factors such as climate change economic, social, and financial factors. It is necessary to develop appropriate programme resources that essentially are farmer proof. Farmer resilience can be strengthened when the farmer is adaptable and given the support.
EmbraceFARM -is very embedded within the farming community . They havecreated an environment in which the farmer and the farm family can know it is ok to talk. Their collaborative approach with the other agencies is ensuring a community support network and reducing loneliness and isolation at serious times of trauma. It is an invaluable and immeasurable support and have been successful in building a special community support.
The vision of Embrace FARM is to be a caring, supportive, and non-judgemental community for all affected by farm accidents & traumas. Their main actions are:
Supporting widows/widowers primarily with the loss of a partner due to sudden loss, suspected suicide, sudden medical events e.g., heart attack, cancer diagnosis and sudden injury
Supporting farmers with life changing injuries following farm accidents such as amputation, spinal and brain
Supporting fame families with the loss of a child or parent.
